Northern District of West Virginia
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Weirton man sentenced for unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Michael Northcraft, 42, of Weirton, West Virginia, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Northcraft was previously convicted in the Circuit Court of Hancock County, West Virginia of the felony offense of “Entering a Building Other than a Dwelling.” As a result of that conviction, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm. He was discovered in possession of multiple firearms in December 2014, including three pistols, one revolver, two shotguns, and two rifles.
Northcraft pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Brooke County Sheriff’s Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Two Clarksburg men sentenced for heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jason Grant, 30, and Douglas Dustin Lish, 30, both of Clarksburg, were each sentenced in federal court on heroin trafficking charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Grant was discovered in possession of heroin and a 9mm pistol in December 2014 near the Clarksburg City Park – Monticello Avenue Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.” He was sentenced to 46 months in prison on the distribution charge and 60 months in prison on the firearms charge, for a total sentence of 106 months. He was also ordered to forfeit his interest in $1,156.50 in United States currency and the 9mm pistol.
Lish, also known as “D-Fresh,” was discovered in possession of heroin and a 9mm pistol in Harrison County, West Virginia in October 2014. He pled guilty in February 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin,” and one count of “Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime.” He was sentenced to 18 months in prison on the possession charge and 60 months in prison on the firearms charge, for a total sentence of 78 months. He was further ordered to forfeit his interest in $5,030.95 in United States currency and the 9mm pistol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated both defendants.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Three sentenced for oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Three individuals were sentenced in federal court today for oxycodone trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Georgia native Terrence D. Brawner, 33, was sentenced today to 77 months in prison for oxycodone trafficking in Wetzel County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in January 2015 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone,” following an investigation by the West Virginia State Police and the Ohio Valley Drug & Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.
Benjamin P. McGee, 30, of Bellaire, Ohio, was sentenced today to 30 months in prison for oxycodone trafficking in Wetzel County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in August 2014 to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone,” following an investigation by the West Virginia State Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Alisha Letts, 31, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was sentenced today to three years of probation for her role in an oxycodone distribution operation in which prescription pills were shipped from California into Marshall County, West Virginia for redistribution and sale. She pled guilty to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Oxycodone,” following an investigation by the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Bernard prosecuted Letts while Robert McWilliams prosecuted McGee and Brawner on behalf of the government.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
McMechen roofing contractor sentenced for fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Roofing and general contractor Stephen J. Gretchen, 45, of McMechen, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in prison for failing to report cash payments to his employees and fraudulently collecting insurance benefits for staged damage to his vehicle, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Gretchen knowingly underreported the wages, tips, and other compensation that he paid to his employees. He paid certain employees in cash “off the books.” He filed quarterly tax returns which failed to report these cash payments and failed to withhold certain tax amounts on behalf of his employees. In the second quarter of 2011, Gretchen reported that he paid no wages, tips, or other compensation to his employees. In fact, he had paid approximately $22,880.00 to his employees.
Gretchen owned a 2011 Coachman Freedom Express camping trailer. An investigation revealed that he paid one of his employees to deliberately and repeatedly crash a dump truck into the trailer, causing damage that totally destroyed the camping trailer for insurance purposes. Gretchen filed a claim with his insurance company, but falsely reported that the damage was caused by a hit-and-run accident. The insurance company sent Gretchen a check for $27,776.85 via FedEx in June 2012.
Gretchen pled guilty in January 2015 to one count of “Filing a False Form 941, Employees’ Quarterly Federal Tax Return,” and one count of “Mail Fraud.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner, Fraud Investigation Unit investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Former Wheeling Island Casino employee sentenced for wire fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Mark E. Patterson, 47, of Wellsburg, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for wire fraud. United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Patterson used his position as the main vault banker at Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino and Racetrack to steal more than $300,000 which he then deposited into various personal bank accounts. Patterson routinely underreported the daily cash proceeds earned on the casino floor. In turn, the casino they listed these false amounts on their financial reports which were sent to auditors and their parent company in New York. Patterson pled guilty in October 2014 to one count of “Wire Fraud.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations led the inquiry.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Moundsville, WV man convicted of methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Nicholas S. Dubrowski, 27, an oil and gas worker living in Moundsville, West Virginia, was convicted of methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
An investigation by the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Dubrowski received shipments of crystal methamphetamine from a source in the southwestern United States. He would then redistribute to fellow oil and gas industry workers in Marshall County, West Virginia.
Dubrowski, also known as “Country,” pled guilty to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Glen Dale, WV man convicted of selling oxycodoneRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Kessler, 25, of Glen Dale, West Virginia, was convicted of oxycodone trafficking in federal court today, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II announced.
An investigation by the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Kessler sold oxycodone on multiple occasions in 2013, including a sale in February of 2013 near West Virginia Northern Community College.
Kessler pled guilty today to one count of “Distribution of Oxycodone within 1,000 feet of a Protected Location.” He faces up to forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Senior District Court Judge Frederick P. Stamp, Jr., presided.
Community leaders announce progress in fight to combat drug abuseRead the Press Release
HEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A diverse group of community leaders from across the Ohio Valley joined United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, today to highlight the progress of the United States Attorney’s Addiction Action Plan.
According to Ihlenfeld, the Action Plan is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to combat drug abuse and overdoses. The Action Plan was formed in the fall of 2014 and community leaders in the Ohio Valley announced their recommendations last December. The Action Plan incorporates eight subcommittees, led by experts from various fields including education and news media, treatment and recovery, and law enforcement and community corrections.
“It has become increasingly clear that a traditional approach to combatting drug abuse, focused on arrests and prosecutions, is not enough,” noted U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “Drug dealers have found increasingly entrepreneurial ways to capitalize on the unforgiving grip of addiction. The CDC announced this week that heroin use in the United States has increased by 62% over the last decade. We must respond with new and innovative ideas to reverse this trend. I am thrilled that a diverse group of thought leaders from the Ohio Valley has come together to find creative ways to combat drug abuse and save lives. They have made significant progress in recent months and I look forward to seeing what comes next.”
The Action Plan subcommittees announced several tangible results achieved to date, including:
News Media and Education. Student leaders from across the Ohio Valley have envisioned and designed an innovative series of viral marketing awareness videos with support from the Education and News Media Subcommittees. These videos will be distributed on social media and displayed at various school and community events. The Wheeling Nailers hockey team will partner with the Action Plan to play these videos at games during the upcoming season. The first video in the #ThisIsHeroin series premiered in early July 2015 and has already gained significant traction on YouTube and social media.
Medical. With support from the Medical Subcommittee, the U.S. Attorney’s Office recently hosted the 2015 West Virginia Prescriber Education Conference to better education physicians and pharmacists on best practices for prescribing and dispensing narcotic medications. Michael Botticelli, the Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, delivered the keynote address at the conference. The event was well-attended by substance abuse professionals, physicians, and pharmacists.
Treatment. The Treatment Subcommittee recently launched the drugfreeov.com website which provides a simple roadmap to treatment by providing a comprehensive directory of substance abuse treatment resources in the Ohio Valley. The website has had nearly 1,000 visitors since it launched in March 2015. The Treatment Subcommittee is also partnering with the Wheeling Police Department to develop a crisis intervention training program for the officers. Further, the Treatment Subcommittee has developed a Justice Reinvestment Program that services Marshall and Ohio Counties. The program has already provided substance abuse treatment for 20 individuals diverted from drug and mental health courts, parole, and/or probation.
Community Corrections. In the continued effort to find creative alternatives to traditional criminal prosecutions, the Community Corrections Subcommittee was instrumental in developing and launching the first Federal Drug Court in West Virginia.
Enforcement. Law enforcement officials are also improving how they investigate and prosecute drug trafficking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office provided training to local law enforcement, encouraging the development of standardized best practice for investigating a drug overdose. This has led to an increased emphasis on the investigation and prosecution of interstate drug distribution operations in which drugs are transported across state lines into West Virginia for purely economic gain. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is also developing a national curriculum to improve the investigation and prosecution of fatal drug overdoses.
Anyone interested in additional information on the effort to combat drug abuse is encouraged to contact the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia at (304) 234-0100. Continuing updates will also be available through the U.S. Attorney’s official Twitter page @NDWVnews.
Two Clarksburg residents sentenced for heroin trafficking near local playgroundsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Whitney M. Golden, 25, and Al-Teric Garrett, 33, both of Clarksburg, West Virginia, were sentenced in federal court today for heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Garret was discovered in possession of heroin in December 2014 near the Clarksburg City Park – Broadway Avenue Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. He pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” He was sentenced today to 51 months in prison with credit for time served since December 2014.
Golden was discovered in possession of heroin in December 2014 near the Clarksburg City Park – Monticello Avenue Playground in Harrison County, West Virginia. She pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” She was sentenced today to 16 months in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government. The Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated both defendants.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Two Upshur County residents convicted of methamphetamine traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Arwen Tinuviel Palmer, 35, and Dustin Lynn Phillips, 33, both of Buckhannon, West Virginia, were convicted today of methamphetamine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Palmer and Phillips each possessed and distributed methamphetamine in Upshur County, West Virginia throughout 2014.
Both defendants pled guilty today to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine – Aiding and Abetting.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office and the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force led the investigation.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Former Marshall County, WV teacher convicted of possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Duane David Will, Jr., 33, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was convicted today of possession of child pornography, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Will repeatedly downloaded images of child pornography in April 2014 while employed as a teacher at John Marshall High School in Marshall County, West Virginia.
Will pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Child Pornography.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Tucker County woman convicted of fraudulently collecting government benefitsRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Dorothy Lawson Jones, 66, of Hendricks, West Virginia, was convicted today of fraudulently collecting spousal death benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Dorothy Lawson was previously married to a veteran who passed away in 1991. Lawson remarried in 1995 and continued to unlawfully collect spousal death benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs until at least 2013. Lawson falsely reported on at least two government forms that she had never remarried.
Jones pled guilty today to one count of “False Statement in Document.” She faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Morgantown man sentenced for unlawful possession of stolen firearmsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jacob Honaker, 21, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for possession of stolen firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Throughout 2014, Honaker possessed, bartered, sold, and disposed of multiple stolen firearms, including three semi-automatic pistols and five revolvers. He pled guilty in February 2015 to a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Possession of a Stolen Firearm.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Pennsylvania man, Harrison County resident convicted of lying to purchase a firearmRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Deandre Jones, 29, of Irwin, Pennsylvania, and Robert Pannell, 34, of Bridgeport, West Virginia, were each convicted today of unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In August 2014, the defendants attempted to purchase a 9mm pistol from a licensed firearms dealer in Harrison County, West Virginia. The defendants intentionally misled the firearms dealer by indicating that the pistol was being purchased for Pannell. In fact, the pistol was being purchased for Jones.
The defendants each pled guilty today to “Aiding and Abetting – ‘Straw Purchase’ of Firearm.” They each face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
New Jersey man convicted of oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Marshall County, West Virginia resident Dennis Ferretti, 37, originally of Wenonah, New Jersey, was convicted today of prescription painkiller trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Throughout 2014 and 2014, Ferretti conspired with other individuals to possess and distribute oxycodone in Wetzel and Marshall Counties in West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Drug Conspiracy - Oxycodone.” He faces between up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the West Virginia State Police let the investigation.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Marshall County man convicted of heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – George N. Sidiropolis, 35, of McMechen, West Virginia, was convicted today of heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Throughout 2014 and 2015, Sidiropolis participated in a drug distribution operation in which heroin was transported across state lines from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, as well as locations in Ohio, for redistribution and sale.
Sidiropolis pled guilty today a criminal Information charging him with one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Detroit man convicted of selling oxycodone near local universityRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Tyree Dupree Williams, 21, of Detroit, Michigan, was convicted today of prescription painkiller trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Williams, also known as “Killa,” sold oxycodone in Monongalia County, West Virginia in September 2014 near the campus of West Virginia University. He pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Martinsburg man sentenced to 10 years in prison for causing heroin overdose deathRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Keith A. Watson, 36, of Martinsburg, was sentenced to 120 months in prison for selling heroin that led to the death of another individual, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In April 2014, Watson sold heroin in Berkeley County, West Virginia that led to the death of a 37-year-old man.
"The U.S. Attorney's office remains committed to the aggressive prosecution of drug dealers, particularly when the drugs sold cause the death of another," said Ihlenfeld. "We've partnered with law enforcement agencies to enhance the investigation procedures and techniques used to look into drug overdoses. We're also working on a national scale to improve the prosecution of dealers who cause deaths and serious injuries.”
Watson pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin.” In executing the plea agreement, Watson agreed to a binding sentence of 10 years in prison.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh presided.Marshall County, WV woman convicted of cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Alicia D. Duerr, 30, of Moundsville, West Virginia, was convicted today of cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Duerr repeatedly conspired with other individuals to possess and to distribute crack cocaine in Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia. She pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Crack Cocaine.” She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McWilliams, Jr. prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Detroit man convicted of oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Markus Deanthony Franklin, 22, of Detroit, Michigan, was convicted today of prescription painkiller trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Franklin, also known as “Diego,” sold oxycodone in Monongalia County, West Virginia in September 2014. He pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Distribution of Oxycodone.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Ritchie County woman convicted of health care fraudRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sherri J. Slaven, 50, of Ellenboro, West Virginia, was convicted of health care fraud today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Slaven operated a home health care business and she engaged in a scheme to defraud the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commission Workers’ Compensation Old Fund by repeatedly submitting claims for various health care services that she never performed. She received fraudulent compensation in excess of $100,000 for services that were not provided.
Slaven pled guilty today to one count of "Health Care Fraud." She faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
"Health care fraud wastes taxpayer money and drives up health care costs," said Ihlenfeld. "The U.S. Attorney’s Office is now taking more of a data-driven approach to investigating and prosecuting this type of crime by obtaining and analyzing billing data in real-time. This allows us to speed up our investigations and stop these schemes sooner, thereby protecting the programs that help the sick and the injured."
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia Office of the Insurance Commission Office of Inspector General – Fraud Investigations Unit let the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Ohio, West Virginia residents charged with deriving unlawful profits from federal grantsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Michael J. Marshall, 64, Brandt Stover, 61, Stephen M. Powell, 52, all of Steubenville, Ohio, and Nicole P. Northcraft, 42, of New Cumberland, West Virginia, with manipulating business development programs facilitated by the United States Small Business Administration to derive unlawful profits of approximately twenty-four million dollars, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.The defendants operated various businesses participating in Small Business Administration programs and are alleged to have submitted false eligibility statements and allowed unauthorized individuals to exercise control over the businesses. In total, the defendants are alleged to have fraudulently sought and received federal agency contracts in excess of one hundred and forty million dollars.
The defendants are each charged with:
• One count of “Conspiracy to Defraud the United States,” for which they each face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000,
• One count of “Attempt and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud.” For which they each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, and
• Three counts of “Wire Fraud.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count.Stover is additionally charged with:
• Two counts of “Conspiracy to Defraud the Government with Respect to Claims.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count,
• Four counts of “Willfully Causing the Submission of False, Fictitious and Fraudulent Claims.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count, and
• One count “Tampering with a Witness,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
According to Ihlenfeld, the Small Business Administration operates programs to assist socially or economically disadvantaged business operators and disabled veterans in competing for government contracts. The businesses must be unconditionally owned and controlled by the qualifying individuals in order to comply with federal law.
"This indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to exploit the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program regulations to defraud the Department of Defense (DoD) and other federal agencies," said Craig W. Rupert, Special Agent in Charge, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Northeast Field Office. "Through these schemes, the defendants allegedly took U.S. taxpayer dollars from the 8(a) contracts intended to support the U.S. military. These acts erode public confidence and deny opportunities for honest contractors. The American taxpayer expects the DoD Office of the Inspector General and DCIS to champion fiscal accountability and acquisition integrity. DCIS, along with our law enforcement partners, continues to shield America's investment in national defense and to vigorously investigate procurement fraud allegations."
“Our office will continue to pursue justice against those who commit fraud to gain access to SBA’s preferential contracting programs,” said Small Business Administration Inspector General Peggy E. Gustafson. “The defendants’ actions deprived legitimate disadvantaged companies of federal contracting opportunities. I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s office for its dedication and leadership throughout the investigation.”
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert H. McWilliams and Andrew Cogar are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The United States Small Business Administration, the Department of Defense Inspector General, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Labor, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are leading the inquiry.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Martinsburg man convicted of selling cocaine near local schoolRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Gary Vincent Whorley, 32, of Martinsburg, was convicted today of selling cocaine near an elementary school, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Whorley, also known as “Tyrone,” sold crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of an elementary school located in Jefferson County, West Virginia. He pled guilty today to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a School.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Camilletti prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.
Morgantown woman convicted of arsonRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Sarah Beth Meckley, 33, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was convicted today of arson, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In May 2014, Meckley maliciously damaged and destroyed by means of fire and explosive materials the Chateau Royale Apartment Complex in Morgantown.
Meckley pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Arson of a Building Used in Interstate Commerce.” She faces between five and twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Cogar prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Fire Marshal investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Federal, state authorities disrupt Pennsylvania to West Virginia heroin trafficking networkRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Multiple individuals were arrested today in connection with a multi-state heroin trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, and Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney Rhonda Wade announced.
Christopher T. Gyorko, 30, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is alleged to have orchestrated and managed a drug trafficking operation in which quantities of heroin were transported across state lines from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania into Ohio and Marshall Counties in West Virginia, as well as locations in the state of Ohio, for redistribution and sale. Gyorko has been named in an 18-count federal indictment, along with Jeff R. Andlinger, 34, of Benwood, West Virginia, John D. McKee, 30, Joseph P. McKee, 25, Doug Nolte, 35, and George L. LaShare, 34, all of Wheeling.
Additionally, George N. Sidiropolis, 35, of McMechen, West Virginia, was charged in a one-count federal Information with “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin.”
All six defendants named in the indictment are charged with “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.Andlinger is further charged with:
• Three counts of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin.” He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count,
• One count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” for which he faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000,
• One count of “Distribution of Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location,” for which he faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000, and
• One count of “Distribution of Heroin,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Nolte is further charged with:
• Two counts of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin.” He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count,
• Two counts of “Distribution of Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000 on each count, and
• One count of “Distribution of Heroin,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
LaShare is further charged with:
• Three counts of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin.” He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count,
• Two counts of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000 on each count, and
• One count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
McKee is further charged with:
• Two counts of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin Within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000 on each count, and
• One count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Heroin,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
The following individuals have been charged in state court in connection with the heroin trafficking operation:
• Jonathan M. Novick, 24, of Glendale, West Virginia faces one count of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin,” and one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance,”
• William A. Novick, 33, of McMechen, West Virginia, faces one count of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin,” and one count of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance,”
• Madelyn A. Dziorney, 21, of Moundsville, West Virginia, faces one count of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin,”
• Rosa I. Ruskin, 21, of Moundsville, West Virginia, faces one count of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin,”
• Steven E. Holmes, 25, of Cameron, West Virginia, faces three counts of “Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance,” and three counts of “Delivery of a Controlled Substance – Heroin,” and
• Terry P. Davis, 33, of McMechen, West Virginia was previously charged with one count of “Introduction of a Controlled Substance into a Regional Jail – Heroin,” and “Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute – Heroin.”Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin is prosecuting the defendants charged in federal court. Marshall County Prosecuting Attorney Rhonda Wade is prosecuting the defendants charged in state court. The Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, is leading the Investigation. The Task Force is comprised of officers and agents from the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, Moundsville Police Department, the West Virginia State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The federal and state charges announced today are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Baltimore man who led multi-state heroin trafficking operation appears in federal court in West VirginiaRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, Brian Alexander Hall, 27, of Windsor, Maryland, appeared before a federal judge in Martinsburg today on heroin trafficking charges, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Hall appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble on the following charges:• One count of “Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000,
• One count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin and Cocaine Hydrochloride,” for which he faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000,
• Four counts of “Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 on each of the four counts,
• Two counts of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Heroin.” He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 on each of the two counts,
• Eleven counts of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000 on each of the eleven counts, and
• Three counts of “Causing Interstate Travel in Aid of Racketeering – Heroin.” He faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000 on each of the three counts.Judge Trumble scheduled a jury trial for Hall on August 18, 2015 in federal court in Martinsburg, and appointed a Federal Public Defender to represent him. Hall was released after the hearing today and is subject to conditions of home confinement and electronic monitoring along with other standard terms and conditions.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Camilletti and Anna Krasinski are prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, are leading the investigation.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.Wetzel County man convicted of oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Jamie Alexander Jones, 28, of Pine Grove, West Virginia, was convicted of oxycodone trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.Jones was discovered in Wetzel County, West Virginia in possession of oxycodone in late 2014 during the course of an investigation by the West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Jones pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting Possession with Intent to Distribute Oxycodone.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Philadelphia, PA man convicted of selling heroin near local universityRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Qaaim Clark, 34, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was convicted of selling heroin near a local university campus, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
An investigation by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force revealed that Clark was involved in a drug distribution operation in which heroin and prescription painkillers were transported across state lines from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale.
Specifically, Clark sold heroin in April 2014 in Monongalia County, West Virginia near West Virginia University. He pled guilty to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Ohio County woman convicted of heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Tracy McWhorter, 35, of Triadelphia, West Virginia, was convicted of heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
McWhorter pled guilty to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin.” She further admitted to violations of a period of supervised release stemming from a previous conviction. As a result of the plea agreement executed today, McWhorter will be sentenced to 24 months in prison.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parr prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Multi-state heroin trafficking operation based in Baltimore, Maryland fractured by federal indictmentRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Multiple individuals were arrested today pursuant to a 163-count federal indictment charging 41 people with facilitating an extensive, multi-state heroin trafficking operation, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, West Virginia State Police Colonel Jay Smithers, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Scott Smith, announced.
Maryland resident Brian Alexander Hall, 27, is alleged to have orchestrated a far-reaching heroin distribution network in which a large group of individuals repeatedly travelled across state lines to procure quantities of heroin from Hall in Baltimore, Maryland, and the surrounding region. The individuals then returned to locations in West Virginia, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania to redistribute the heroin obtained from Hall. Officers utilized a variety of investigative tools to uncover the communication and interstate travel patterns underlying the drug distribution operation.
"Today's arrests are just one element in a continuing effort to combat the epidemic of drug abuse in our region," noted U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. "It is particularly troubling when drug dealers send their product across state lines and target vulnerable populations for purely economic gain. Federal and local law enforcement officers from multiple jurisdictions leveraged cutting-edge surveillance techniques to conduct a sophisticated and expedient investigation in this case, and I commend them for their efforts."
"These charges and arrests highlight the importance of the 'High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area' designation that Berkeley County received last year through the Washington/Baltimore HIDTA," said West Virginia State Police Colonel Jay Smithers. "The future growth of and participation in HIDTA initiatives will greatly benefit the citizens of the Eastern Panhandle. All those involved in this collaborative effort should be commended for their continued hard work and dedication to combat the illegal drug culture which is destroying our communities and families."
This morning, the indictment was unsealed and 35 of the defendants were taken into custody as part of a coordinated, multi-state arrest operation. Those arrested today include:
• Jared Michael Belanger, 35, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Lindsay Bohrer, 37, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia,
• Shawn Blain Bowers, 36, of Braddock Heights, Maryland,
• Theresa Brewer, 61, of Braddock Heights, Maryland,
• Kenneth Bryan Crowley, 38, of Rockville, Maryland,
• James R. Dove, 30, of Keyser, West Virginia,
• Veronica Gladden, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Harmony Hahn, 31, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Bonnie Hanna, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• James Francis Hansen, Jr., 48, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia,
• Javier Lewis Howard, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• James Miner Jenkins, 36, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Jessica Kesecker, 33, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia,
• Brandon Kidwell, 23, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia,
• Darla Kinser, 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Edward Lee Knotts, a.k.a. “Eddie,” 32, of Ranson, West Virginia,
• Jeffery David Murphy, a.k.a. “J.D.,” 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Brandon Lee Odell, 32, of Inwood, West Virginia,
• Scott Andrew Ours, a.k.a. “D,” 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Melissa Portrey, a.k.a. “Missy,” 47, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia,
• Josh Reid, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia.
• Craig Rhodes, 46, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania,
• Cassandra Elaine Riggs, a.k.a “Casey Braithwaite,” 25, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• James Michael Ross, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Cortney Blaire Saylor, a.k.a “C,” 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Megan Saylor, 32, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Robert Hamilton Shanley-Sexton, a.k.a. “Robbie,” 23, of Gaithersburg, Maryland,
• Frederick Smitherman, a.k.a. “Freddy,” 36, of Inwood, West Virginia,
• William Thomas Stine, a.k.a. “Tom,” 39, of Martinsburg, West Virginia,
• Cameron Steinbaugh, 28, of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia,
• Teddy Edward Threadgill, 46, of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia,
• Veronica Thomas, 24, of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania,
• Bruce Morton Vaudrien, Jr., 45, of Kearneysville, West Virginia,
• Michelle Lynn Warnick, 32, of Kearneysville, West Virginia,
• William Lee Wasson, a.k.a. “Bill,” 38, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, and
• Sarah Marie Weant, 26, of Kearneysville, West Virginia.Two defendants are currently in state custody, including:
• Clinton Dunlap, a.k.a. “K.D.,” 31, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and
• Steward Eugene Whitehead, Jr., a.k.a. “Geno,” 29, of Inwood, West Virginia.Several individuals have not yet been located, including:
• Roma Michelle Bland, 37, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and
• James Wesley Faircloth, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia.Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the aforementioned individuals is encouraged to contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (412) 432-4000.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Krasinski is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the West Virginia State Police, and the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, are leading the investigation. The United States Marshals Service and the Baltimore County Police Department in Maryland are also supporting the investigation.
An indictment is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Hancock County man convicted of heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Raymond James Ripley, Sr., 28, of Newell, West Virginia, was convicted today of heroin trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Ripley conspired with others to possess and sell heroin in Hancock County, West Virginia throughout 2013 and 2014. He pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin,” following an investigation by the Hancock, Brooke, Weirton Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
In another matter, Cornelius Johnson, Jr., 38, of Wheeling, West Virginia, was convicted today of cocaine trafficking. An investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Johnson engaged in cocaine trafficking in Ohio County, West Virginia throughout 2014.
Johnson pled guilty today to:
• Four counts of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Cocaine Base.” He faces up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each count,
• Four counts of “Distribution of Cocaine Base within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000 on each count,
• One count of “Maintaining a Drug Involved Premises,” for which he faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000, and
• One count of “Felon in Possession of a Firearm,” for which he faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the cases on behalf of the government.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Marshall County woman convicted of stealing from local non-profitRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Richelle D. Blair, 37, of Glen Dale, West Virginia, was convicted today of embezzling money from a local non-profit organization, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Blair was formerly employed by Marshall County Starting Points Center, Inc., a non-profit social services organization in Marshall County, West Virginia. Starting Points receives federal grants from the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Blair repeatedly utilized the organization’s funds to purchase items for her own personal use.
Blair pled guilty today to a criminal Information charging her with one count of “Theft from an Organization Receiving Federal Funds.” She faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge James E. Seibert presided.
Randolph County man convicted for role in manufacturing methamphetamineRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – Lee Willard Young, Jr., 34, of Beverly, West Virginia, was convicted in federal court today for his role in manufacturing methamphetamine, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
In April 2014, Young was discovered Randolph County, West Virginia in possession of medication containing pseudoephedrine, an ingredient commonly used to produce methamphetamine.
Kimble pled guilty today to one count of “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police investigated.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Grant County man convicted of embezzling more than $100,000 in government benefitsRead the Press Release
ELKINS, WEST VIRGINIA – John Fitsgerald Kimble, 52, of, Petersburg, West Virginia, was convicted today of unlawfully collecting more than $100,000 in government benefits, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Kimble’s wife passed away in April 2003. Kimble began to collect Title II Social Security and Widow with Child benefits from the Social Security Administration. He was entitled to receive these benefits so long as the couple’s surviving child lived with him. In May 2003, Kimble transferred custody of the child to a relative. As a result, Kimble was no longer entitled to collect the aforementioned government benefits. Between 2003 and 2013, Kimble unlawfully collected $184,814 in social security benefits.
Kimble pled guilty today to one count of “Theft of Government Money.” He faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Stein prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The United States Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Randolph County woman convicted of oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Jessie Marie Fox, 22, of Mill Creek, West Virginia, was convicted of oxycodone trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
An investigation by the West Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force revealed that Fox participated in a drug distribution operation designed to transport heroin and prescription painkillers across state lines from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Morgantown, West Virginia for redistribution and sale.
Fox pled guilty today to one count of “Use of a Telephone to Facilitate the Distribution of Oxycodone.” She faces up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Ohio man convicted of traveling to engage in unlawful sexual conduct with minor victimRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Patrick W. Ganim, 29, of, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, was convicted of traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor female today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Ganim communicated with a minor female residing in the Northern District of West Virginia utilizing a variety of internet resources and online messaging tools. In October 2014, Ganim traveled across state lines from Ohio into West Virginia. He then engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the victim. Following their initial meeting, Ganim continued to utilize online messaging services to communicate with the minor victim, planning a subsequent meeting and sending explicit material to the victim.
Ganim pled guilty today to one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct,” for which he faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Preston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bainbridge Township, Ohio Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.
Morgantown man sentenced for cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Andre J. Anderson, 34, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced to one year and one day in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
An investigation by the Mon Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force revealed that Anderson sold nearly 500 grams of cocaine in Morgantown, West Virginia. Anderson pled guilty in January 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Cocaine.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Parr prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Maryland man convicted of lying to obtain bank loanRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Montgomery Joseph Isner, 47, of Capital Heights, Maryland, was convicted of bank fraud in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Isner misrepresented himself as the owner of a parcel of real property in Berkeley County, West Virginia in order to fraudulently obtain a loan in the amount of $60,000.
Isner pled guilty to one count of “False Statement on Loan Application.” He faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert W. Trumble presided.Marshall County man sentenced for cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Thaddeus Emrys Richardson, 30, of McMechen, West Virginia, was sentenced to 21 months in prison for crack cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Richardson was discovered in possession of crack cocaine in Ohio County, West Virginia in August 2014 during an investigation led by the Wheeling Police Department.
Richardson pled guilty in March 2015 to one count of “Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine Base.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Perri prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Federal indictment, arrests disrupt Pleasants County methamphetamine manufacturing operationRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Multiple individuals have been arrested pursuant to a federal indictment stemming from a methamphetamine manufacturing operation based in Pleasants County, West Virginia, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment earlier this week charging Donald William Butler, 56, Bonnie Jean Butler, 54, Garland Samuel Butler, 50, Travis Michael Butler, 21, Samuel Scott Butler, 23, all of Saint Marys, West Virginia, and Kate Lynn Baker, 20, of Friendly, West Virginia, with manufacturing methamphetamine.
The defendants utilized a residence in Pleasants County to manufacture methamphetamine over an extended period of time. They also were repeatedly discovered in possession of medications containing pseudoephedrine, a common ingredient in methamphetamine.
All six defendants are charged with one count of “Methamphetamine and Pseudoephedrine Conspiracy,” for which they each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.
Donald and Bonnie Butler are each further charged with:
• One count of “Maintaining Drug-Involved Premises - Aiding and Abetting,” for which they each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, and
• One count of “Possession of Material used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine - Aiding and Abetting,” for which they each face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.Garland and Travis Butler are each further charged with four counts of “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the four counts.
Kate Baker is further charged with four counts of “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine,” and one count of “Attempt to Possess Pseudoephedrine to be Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the five counts.
Samuel Butler is further charged with three counts of “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be Used in the Manufacture of Methamphetamine.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 on each of the three counts.
Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Adkins is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police and the Pleasants Count Sheriff’s Department are investigating.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
U.S. Attorney continues to bring additional law enforcement resources to eastern panhandleRead the Press Release
MARTINSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – As part of an ongoing initiative to enhance law enforcement effectiveness and promote safety in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has welcomed two new federal prosecutors, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today.
Shawn M. Adkins has been appointed to the position of Assistant United States Attorney, and Stephanie S. Taylor has been appointed to the position of Special Assistant U.S. Attorney.
“Shawn and Stephanie will be valuable parts of our coordinated response to drug trafficking and violent crime in the Eastern Panhandle,” said U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld. “We remain committed to prosecuting criminals that travel across state lines to commit crimes in West Virginia, particularly those who are bringing heroin into the state. In the coming months, I hope to announce the addition of more resources to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”
Adkins previously served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Harrison County, West Virginia. Adkins graduated from Marshall University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, and earned his law degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 2011.
Taylor is a seasoned litigator, having served in the Berkeley County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office since 2006. She also worked as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Morgan County, West Virginia from 2003 through 2006. Taylor previously served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Grey Silver, III in the 23rd Judicial Circuit of West Virginia. She graduated from Marshall University in 1997, and earned her law degree from the West Virginia University College of Law in 2001.
Chief U.S. District Judge Gina M. Groh issued the formal oath of office to Adkins and Taylor in a ceremony held this morning.
Cleveland, OH man convicted of selling heroin near WV playgroundRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Shannon Jerome Hinton, 25, of Cleveland, Ohio, was convicted of selling heroin near a Hancock County, West Virginia playground in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.An investigation by the Hancock, Brooke, Weirton Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Hinton sold heroin in August 2014 near Clark Field Playground in Hancock County, West Virginia.
Hinton pled guilty to one count of “Aiding and Abetting in the Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.” He faces between one and forty years in prison and a fine of up to $2,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Columbiana County, Ohio Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration Youngstown, Ohio Field Office assisted in the investigation.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.*UPDATED* Registered sexoffeder charged with traveling to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minor victimsRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging convicted sex offender Kevin Wick, 42, of Wheeling, with traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with multiple minor victims, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Wick is alleged to have repeatedly traveled across state lines from Wheeling, West Virginia to Martins Ferry, Ohio throughout late 2014 and early 2015 for the purpose of engaging in unlawful sexual conduct with multiple minor victims. Three of the victims are brothers, ranging in age from eight to eleven years old. On at least one occasion, Wick allegedly transported minor victims across states lines from Ohio to an apartment in Wheeling where he engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the victims.
Wick is charged with five counts of “Aggravated Sexual Abuse – With Children.” He faces between 30 years and life in prison on each count. He is further charged with five counts of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct.” He faces up to 30 years in prison on each count. Additionally, he is charged with five counts of “Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity.” He faces between ten years and life in prison on each count.
In June 2008, Wick was convicted of “Attempted Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse” and “Indecent Assault” in the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. As a result of that conviction, Wick is required to register as a sex offender and is listed as a “Sexually Violent Predator.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government. The Wheeling Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Northern District of West Virginia Crimes Against Children Task Force are leading the investigation.U.S. Attorney Ihlenfeld commended the efforts of the agents involved for the expeditious manner in which they investigated the case. The allegations regarding Wick came to the attention of West Virginia authorities less than two weeks ago.
Pursuant to a motion filed by the government, Wick will be detained pending trial.
An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Marshall County man convicted of oxycodone trafficking, bank fraudRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Christopher Michael Previtera, 48, of Proctor, West Virginia, was convicted of oxycodone trafficking and bank fraud in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced today.
Previtera, who owned and operated an automotive services business in Wetzel County, West Virginia, pled guilty to two separate criminal Informations. In doing so he admitted that throughout 2014 and 2015, he conspired with other individuals to possess and distribute oxycodone in Marshall and Wetzel Counties. He also acknowledged to committing fraud in connection with a loan that he obtained in order to finance the purchase of his business.He faces up to thirty years in prison for the bank fraud conviction, and up to twenty years for the drug conspiracy conviction. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Previtera has agreed to forfeit his interest in multiple firearms, $15,070 in United States currency, real property, a 2007 Dodge Ram truck, various John Deere lawn care machinery, and various equipment and inventory related to the automotive services business. Previtera will also be required to pay money judgments in the amount of $145,000 in the drug trafficking case and $91,522.74 in the bank fraud case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation investigated the bank fraud charges. The West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the drug trafficking charges.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.Randolph County woman sentenced for cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Arica M. Boyles, 27, of Kerens, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 70 months in prison for cocaine trafficking, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Arica Boyles and her husband John Boyles collaborated to sell crack cocaine in Tucker County, West Virginia. They each pled guilty in May 2014 to one count of “Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of Cocaine Base.” John Boyles was sentenced to 97 months in prison in November 2014 stemming for the couple’s cocaine trafficking activities.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Warner prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge John Preston Bailey presided.
Ohio woman convicted of heroin traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Amanda Elaine Wright, 29, of East Liverpool, Ohio, was convicted of heroin trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Wright collaborated with other individuals to possess and distribute heroin in Hancock County, West Virginia throughout 2013 and 2014.
Wright pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Heroin.” She faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Vogrin prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Hancock, Brooke, Weirton Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, led the investigation.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Clarksburg woman sentenced for selling heroin near local playgroundRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Alicia Radel, 31, of Clarksburg, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for selling heroin near a local playground, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
An investigation by the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative, revealed that Radel sold heroin in September 2014 near the Clarksburg City Park – North Side Playground. She pled guilty in January 2015 to one count of “Distribution of Heroin within 1,000 Feet of a Protected Location.”
In another matter, Ellan Miller, 54, of Fairmont, West Virginia was sentenced today to 41 months in prison after she was discovered in possession of medication containing pseudoephedrine in Marion County, West Virginia in September 2014. She pled guilty in January 2015 to one count of “Possession of Pseudoephedrine to be used in the Manufacturing of Methamphetamine,” following an investigation by the Three Rivers Drug Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted Radel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zelda Wesley prosecuted Miller on behalf of the government.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.
Two Wetzel County residents convicted of oxycodone traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – Trevor Cortez Vossen, 23, of New Martinsville, West Virginia, and Katie Ora Ingold, 29, of Proctor, West Virginia, were convicted of oxycodone trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Vossen and Ingold collaborated to possess and distribute oxycodone in Marshall and Wetzel Counties throughout 2014 and early 2015.
The defendants each pled guilty today to one count of “Drug Conspiracy - Oxycodone.” They each face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendants.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The West Virginia State Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Cleveland man convicted of heroin, cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA – LeDon Gaither, 38, of Cleveland, Ohio, was convicted of heroin and cocaine trafficking today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Gaither engaged in a coordinated effort to transport heroin and cocaine across state lines from Cleveland, Ohio into Northern West Virginia. He then collaborated with other individuals to distribute and sell the drugs in Ohio and Marshall Counties.
Gaither pled guilty today to one count of “Conspiracy.” He faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Bernard prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Ohio Valley Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the Marshall County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, both HIDTA-funded initiatives, investigated.
Senior U.S. District Judge Frederick P. Stamp presided.
Harrison County, WV man convicted of unlawful possession of firearmsRead the Press Release
CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Darius Henning, 24, of Clarksburg, was convicted today in federal court of unlawful possession of firearms, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.
Henning was convicted in January 2011 of “First Degree Robbery” in the Circuit Court of Harrison County, West Virginia. As a result of that conviction, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. He was discovered in January 2015 in possession of a stolen .45 caliber pistol in Harrison County, West Virginia.
Henning pled guilty today to one count of “Felon in Possession of Firearm” and one count of “Possession of Stolen Firearm.” He faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 on each count. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed will be based upon the seriousness of the offenses and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clarksburg Police Department investigated.
U.S. District Judge Irene M. Keeley presided.